The Best Mystery Donghua

The Best Mystery Donghua

Key Takeaways

  • Uncommon mystery donghua offer fresh unique experiences, standing out from traditional martial arts/cultivation tropes.
  • Chinese donghua like
    The Island of Siliang
    and
    Drowning Sorrows in Raging Fire
    blend genres for engaging stories.
  • Shows like
    Twin Spirit Detectives
    and
    Die Now
    provide intriguing takes on horror and chaos, making them fascinating to watch.

As a seasoned anime enthusiast with over two decades of immersion into the world of animation, I must say these recommendations are nothing short of extraordinary! Each series showcases a unique blend of psychological suspense, dark mystery, and intricate storytelling that is rarely seen in donghua.


Chinese animated series, often referred to as donghua, are typically distinguished by a significant use of martial arts or cultivation themes. While these elements give donghua a unique identity compared to other animation genres, they can become repetitive over time. Consequently, less common themes that do appear in donghua are notably fresh and original when encountered.

Consider this animated series as an example, often referred to as “mystery donghua.” Although they’re not common, the genre has produced some remarkable and widely appreciated shows that brilliantly embody the allure of the “puzzling thriller” theme that mainstream media frequently embraces. With a sprinkle of unique elements particular to donghua, these series deliver an extraordinary and unusual experience that truly resonates.

7 The Island Of Siliang

Cultivation Donghua With A Touch Of Mystery And A Very Hardcore Female Lead

Chinese NameJuan Siliang
Released2021
Other GenresAction, Fantasy, Romance

The animated series titled “The Island of Siliang” can be compared to typical donghua, but with a unique twist. It incorporates martial arts, cultivation, and mythology, but adds an intriguing layer of supernatural elements. What makes it stand out is its enigmatic atmosphere, which is further accentuated by the strong female protagonist, Tu Li. This character not only holds her own among male characters in similar narratives, but often surpasses them in impact and appeal.

The story dives deep into divinity and mythology and explores the idea that even the gods aren’t flawless. They make mistakes, lose their way, and can fall prey to corruption and immorality. However, in this world, doing so earns them a life sentence on a mysterious island that is designed to keep them contained for eternity, strip away their power, and eventually end their existence. Tu Li, the mortal protagonist, finds herself trapped on this isolated island and has to navigate the chaos of these fallen immortals while trying to find a way off of it.

6 Drowning Sorrows In Raging Fire

Has A Premise Slightly Reminiscent Of Psycho-Pass Or X-Men

Chinese NameLiehuo Jiao Chou
Released2021
Other GenresAction, Drama, Supernatural

A captivating amalgamation of science fiction, supernatural elements, and intrigue, coupled with high-octane action, never fails to excite. The series titled “Drowning Sorrows in Raging Fire” is an excellent illustration of this blend, encompassing all three genres while presenting a unique ‘mystery-centric’ plot. What adds further appeal is its focus on a special police unit and the central theme of case-solving, reminiscent of the series “Psycho-Pass“.

The story, titled “Drowning Sorrows in Raging Fire, centers around a unique agency known as the Deviant Control Office, whose mission is to oversee individuals possessing extraordinary abilities. This unit aims to prevent them from misusing their powers and causing chaos in ordinary citizens’ lives for personal gain. However, an unexpected twist unfolds when a new team member encounters a thousand-year-old man who proclaims himself as an emperor and demands to be treated accordingly.

5 Aiyou’s Secret Room

Escape Room With A More Existential Twist

Chinese NameAiyou de Mishi, X&Y
Released2023
Other GenresRomance, Drama, Psychological

If you’re a fan of escape rooms and situations with high tension without too much drama, then Aiyou’s Secret Room is the anime to choose. It’s a blend of romance, mystery, and thriller that skillfully manages its themes without repetition. The most appealing aspect is that, despite its unique premise, the series maintains a familiar structure of ‘mystery introduction, conflict development, and resolution,’ keeping viewers captivated throughout.

The narrative centers on two office colleagues venturing into the town’s infamous escape room operated by Xu Aiyou. To their surprise, they find the challenge less formidable than expected, solving it swiftly. But what transpires afterwards sends shivers down their spines, compelling them to delve into the enigmatic background of the owner.

4 Twin Spirit Detectives

Paranormal Investigators Who Get Uno Reversed

Chinese NameShuangsheng Lingtan
Released2016
Other GenresPsychological

In a departure from traditional horror narratives where characters are unwillingly haunted by ghosts, we have a unique series called “Twin Spirit Detectives” where the protagonists are professional paranormal investigators, seeking out supernatural occurrences instead of running away from them.

Sun Xiaotu and Sun Xiaohu make up a fearless twin duo who tackle their roles as ghost hunters/paranormal detectives with unflinching courage. Yet, during an ordinary case involving another set of twins, they come to grips with just how disconnected from the real world they’ve become when the spectral aspect of their work starts to haunt them in unexpected ways.

3 The Founder Of Diabolism

Flawed Main Character On The Path To Redemption — Maybe?

Chinese NameMo Dao Zu Shi
Released2018
Other GenresAction, Adventure, Drama

This animated series titled “The Founder of Diabolism” combines shounen-ai aspects with a heavy serving of dark intrigue and fantasy. In contrast to other cultivation narratives, it introduces its protagonist as a less than admirable individual from the get-go.

In a departure from the traditional “good guy” approach, the protagonist, Wei Wuxian, opts for the infamous, demonic cultivation path. Known for its ominous connotations, this choice makes him nearly unbeatable but also turns him into a ruthless individual who thrives on fear he instills in his adversaries. As one might expect, this doesn’t lead to a positive outcome as he is vanquished by a rival clan, seemingly meeting his end. However, fate has other plans, and Wei Wuxian is reborn into another life, inhabiting the body of someone equally extraordinary. He is then compelled, albeit unwillingly, to join forces with an old comrade to unravel the enigmas surrounding his rebirth and existence.

2 Uncharted Walker

Psychological Survival On An Isolated Island

Chinese NameMi Yu Xingzhe
Released2018
Other GenresSurvival, Thriller, Psychological

In the realm of animated series, particularly donghua, scenarios where diverse individuals are castaways on a secluded island and must collaborate to return home are relatively scarce. However, Uncharted Walker breathes new life into this traditional survival theme by introducing an ominous undertone revolving around the characters’ internal struggles and their increasingly complex relationships with one another.

The series portrays two distinct sets of individuals stranded on an ominously hostile island. Despite their mutual dislike and striking contrasts, they must set aside their conflicts and unite to confront the genuine terror lurking in the island’s shadows.

This donghua touches on some mature themes and should be approached with caution.

1 Die Now

Underground Conspiracies Rendered True

Chinese NameDuan Nao
Released2014
Other GenresSci-Fi, Suspense

The animated series titled “Die Now” isn’t labeled a mystery due to its focus on solving straightforward cases or managing defined conflicts, but rather because of its utter disorder. It lacks structure, with no definite conflict, messy conclusions, and an unclear framework, which is precisely what makes it so captivating.

It has a completely unhinged premise that starts off pretty tame — with a series of murders around the main character. During all the chaos, his girlfriend goes missing, which prompts him to start his own investigation. This leads him to a bizarre and sinister gaming community that hosts high-stakes events — where the stakes are literally life or death. The deeper he digs, the more he realizes there’s something much bigger and far more malevolent brewing behind the scenes.

Read More

2024-11-26 13:34